Well hello everyone. Well I am up a few pounds from eating crappy this week. At least Logan is beginning to get the schedule I have put him on so things should start settling down here a bit. I got a crib, some clothes, carseat, and a coat for him yesterday and the girls other grandma fell in love with him too. I still haven't heard anything at all from cps so I guess no news is good news? I just in all good conscience let him go back to my daughter. I have laundry out the wazoo! I did like 4 loads yesterday and am on the third one for today but I got my room all clean and bedding changed and the girls room is done too. I have to say I am a little afraid of all this and doing it all on my own. I am scared I will gain my weight back and that I won't be able to keep the house up and fill all the needs for all the kids. I eat when I am scared so it is going to be a challenge for me.
Jealous of all you going on trips! I love to travel but the farthest I get is the grocery store LOL. Well I am off to clean the bathroom before I have to get the lunch wagon going here for the kids but I will try to check in later too. Thank you for all the hugs and prayers-I am greedy! I will take them all.
Melissa
Melissa you really are a saint with everything you do for those kids. They are so lucky to have you. I know from my job that lots and lots of kids aren't so lucky. Bless you for being there for them and taking such good care of them. Don't worry about those few pounds that you gained this week, you are just getting used to a new routine and you have so much going on right now. Just pick yourself up and get back into it. You can do it. You are doing so much for others but the weight loss is something that you can do for YOU. Just keep in mind what an awesome person you are and remember that you deserve to be as healthy as you possibly can be. Hang in there...you are an awesome person!
Congrats, Cadwell, on your loss!! You are doing awesome! Have fun on the camping trip! Sounds like you are ready to have fun and eat healthy, too!
Whoohoo sandisuze on the exercise!! Doesn't it just make you feel great??
Theresa be sure and let us know how you like the DVD's when you get them. I am always on the lookout for a fun workout.
Everybody else...congrats on any success you may have had recently, no matter how small, those successes add up. And for those of you who may have "fallen off"...just get right back on. No giving up! November & December are tough months but we can all get through them!!!
I am doing good. My son's football season is over for the year so things have slowed down a bit here for a while at least. Tonight is a birthday party for my husband's nephew and my in-laws will be there and the situation with them has gotten even worse so I am a little stressed about that. At least I have some great new jeans to wear! It's weird how much a little thing like that can make me feel so much better about going to this party. Most of my jeans were getting too big and I've been trying not to buy anything new because I've already bought so many new clothes this year, and even with sticking to clearance sales, it does add up. But I have to say my hubby is really a sweetie...yesterday he went during his lunch hour to try to find me some long length 4's, and he actually found a pair! He took me after work to try them on and I don't think I've ever put on a pair of jeans that fit so perfect. This just happened at a time when I really needed it to. So tonight I am going to do the whole bit, hair, make-up, my favorite top and shoes, and my brand new perfect jeans! I know that's not gonna make my MIL treat me any better...but at least I'll know I look good! Maybe I'll have my husband snap a few pictures for "before & after" photos. I haven't had a picture taken since I reached my goal Monday.
I stepped on the scale again today to make sure I hadn't gained anything and I'm down another 1.5. I find that really surprising because I've been eating a couple hundred calories more per day. I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly how much I should be eating. I eat enough to not feel hungry and it doesn't seem right to keep eating when I'm full.
My mom basically said the same thing this morning when I talked to her and I am back OP today. It would be easier if the girls would quit waking logan from his naps and he is cutting teeth too. Dr. said she could see them broke through but without my glasses, I see nothing! I have even more incentive now to lose as now I have 4 kids who are looking to me to keep them safe happy and warm. I always said I wanted 5 kids but I thought that a hubby would come along with the kids lol. I know it is just a matter of getting all my ducks in a row with my new addition. I was feeling guilty because I haven't decorated for Thanksgiving! Can you believe that? Man I think I am just way too hard on myself sometimes but it will come together.
I am depressed and getting down on myself gals. I'm not going to make the Thanksgiving goal which throws off my goal of being under 200 by my birthday in Feb. I haven't lost enough for my family to notice when I go to Ohio in just a couple weeks. I actually thought about buying some laxatives and diet pills tonight because I know if I go back to that I will be down at least 20 lbs. by Thanksgiving. But, I know that is not my answer. I would get caught up in that again and it is NOT something I would want my kids to ever see, and there's no way they wouldn't notice the change in me. I was miserable when I was doing that. Problem is, I feel like I have failed and I'm going to fail all my goals and there is no hope. I would give up if it weren't for you guys, but I am seriously depressed that I have only lost 12 pounds in 4 months
I am going to be really focusing the next 2 weeks, I think this is finally my wake up call that I need to speed this up a bit, and in the right way. I've been recording every bite I eat the last couple days and I realize I am slipping in extra calories by nibbling while cooking, dipping into the halloween candy 2 days, and yesterday I actually ate FIVE sugar cookies, I would have thought it wasn't that many had I not written it down. So, I am just having little treats and it's costing me on the scale.
But, I have to give myself credit because I have come a long way and made some lifelong changes. I used to binge at night, eating entire meals after the kids went to bed, and now I don't eat at night AT ALL, ever. That was my worst fattening habit and I have broken it. I haven't had ice cream in over 2 months and that is a miracle, I used to eat half a carton easily in one night. I haven't bought the "d" word or other pasteries in just as long, so the snacking is way less than it used to be. I have made progress, but it's just not enough.
I know, I know, those are great improvements and I should be proud but I'm just not. I'm disappointed in myself and it hurts. I have to get the nibbling under control and I think the scale will start going down.
When I was pregnant with my first child, all 3 of my sisters were pregnant as well. We had 4 new babies enter the family in a period of 2 months!!! Now, my older sister had a horrible miscarriage last month, and today I was informed my half-sister is now 4 weeks preg. My hubby came home and said I am officiall "cut off" because he's not going through another baby he thinks it's going to wind up hitting us all again, but really I don't see how something that strange can happen again.
Melissa, we never decorate for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is another story. Don't worry about decorations, worry about those kids...you have so much to worry about, do not stress the small stuff. You'll get back OP, and we'll be here to cheer when you do. I cannot imagine your laundry with all those kids! Mine is constant and horrendous and I only have 2...well, hubby counts as 3
KayElle, definitely take an at goal picture and hang it up somewhere, you are so amazing. I hope the party went okay and you come out in one piece emotionally.
hang in there theresa. it's great that you're recording your food. that's what really helps me. pretty soon everyone will notice you and you won't have to do anything extreme.
congrats on the jeans kayelle! i bet 4 long is hard to find. long any size just about.
as for me, i am so totally on cloud nine! i was at old navy today to get some cords for dh when i was like, what the heck, and i decided to try on some size 8 jeans. imagine my shock when they fit! omg! i don't remember the last time i wore a single digit size,i was that young! yay! i was so pleased with myself i took a picture to add to my progress photo collection. now i have four (same t-shirt, but different jeans out of necessity). hopefully when i am at my goal the shirt will still fit because i love it. two more pics i think and i will complete my collection (140 and 125).
Hey everyone.. I am going to try and catch up with everyone( TRY is the key word here)
Theresa: Don't get down- Look how far you have come! Look at all the new habits and lifestyle you now have. writing down everthing is a great idea- I found a really great food diary for free download on microsoft office .com ( go to templates) and printed out a bunch and then made a notebook and even though i like fitday i find i have a hard time getting on the computer to list everything and now that 3fc's has the new food data base it's easier to just jot what you are eating. You keep going girl- don't you give up sending hugs your way too
Melissa- oh my word- i would be lost... You are so brave and don't get scared. take it one day at a time and as far as Thanksgiving decorations?? keep the girls busy while Logan is sleeping and try Dltk- kids.com for printable Turkey day decorations add a glue stick and Ta-Da !!! decorations and a baby that can nap all at the same time-
Candace- Ohh camping so much fun- I am jealous and YAY! on old Navy. I so want to be able to shop at places i can't shop at right now. I'll get back to you on the bisquick - i just know it has NO trans fat and low fat - I tossed the box so hubby wouldn't see it was lofat.
I wonder if Laura is having a great time?? I hope so. to everyone else..
I am now in offical busy status I am helping with the Christams Cantata and we had costume fittings last night, stage planning & props etc.. I love to help BUT getting teenagers to cooperate on being Mary and Joseph instead of blowing kisses is not easy. plus we have so many special events coming up -it takes me so long to design and format printables etc. then there are holiday dinners etc.. Out comes my day planner!! Today is the first day i have not exercised. I am gonna take Sundays off as they are very busy and i feel i need a day of rest
We can do this !
We can hold each other up Theresa-I think I got let down because when I first started, I was losing like crazy and now it is over a month and I am basically staying from 202-206 depending and it is really frustrating. The one thing I am trying to focus on is how I feel compared to what the scale is and it is no easy fete! When I eat right, I have more energy, don't have the sick tummies, and in general just feel like I can take on the world so try and focus on how you feel. My philosophy is eventually my body is going to have follow what I am doing and it will show up eventually. Stay away from the laxatives and things! That is no way to treat your body EVER! You may as well feed yourself arsenic daily and we all know that isn't something a person would do. Just post post post and I am here for you!
Melissa
Thanks for all the support gals, you are my lifeline to sanity right now. I skipped breakfast this AM because I just didn't want to eat, felt like if I started I might not stop. Then MIL showed up unexpected and refused to even come in the house because I was here. What did she think? This is my house, of course I'm here...and she knew it, she's just trying to start trouble because we've stayed away from her and hubby even hasn't been talking to her much...so she brought the trouble here. I ended up grabbing potato chips, which hubby brought home to snack on. He walked in and said "Oh, what happended to Mrs. Diet?" He was joking, but I remember that fight we had and his lack of confidence in me, and all the things he said against me losing weight. I think he was happy to see me into the chips because it was a sign he would be right and I would quit and gain it all back, plus more.
So, I put them down and I am determined to stay out of them. I told him if he doesn't take it with him to work tonight, I'm trashing both bags.
I started thinking about Thanskgiving today and immediately wanted to start eating, and I realized that is what is bothering me, that's why I keep getting the cookies and candy! I am worrying over whether my family will notice or not and just the thought of special attention or comments makes me nervous, so I am sabotaging myself without knowing it. The closer Thanksgiving gets, the more I just can't keep the diet straight. But I know what's going on now. I can't focus on what others will say or think, the focus is on how I feel and the little changes that I notice. I am fogetting about others, that doesn't matter. If they comment on it there's nothing I can do, but that is NO reason to sabotage my progress.
Hubby keeps joking that I am just emotional because I'm prego again, but I know I'm not. I kept going back to bed this AM,didn't wanna get up, and then this afternoon was crying for no reason at all. that does remind me of being prego, but I just know I'm not. I'm just upset with myself for the sabotage and feeling all mixed up...happy for the progress I have made but mad it hasn't equaled more of a weight loss. *sigh* I will get over it and move forward I know that...I AM NOT GIVING UP.
Cadwell, woohoo on the size 8
Melissa, when I start to complain about the house being trashed by the kids or their whining I think of you and it immediately puts me in my place. I have nothing compared to your stress right now, and I know you are scared, that is understandable. But, once you get into a groove and see that it's going to be okay I think that will fade off. You are a saint, and all this will come back to you one day, just remember that! One way or another, all your good work for these kids will come back to you ten fold.
Sandi, you sound busy yourself there, don't stress out too much. All those things are supposed to be fun, right?
It sounds like it is nerves to me too Theresa but you know what? They are just going to be thrilled to see you and they love you! The cousin I saw when I took Logan in hasn't seen me since August and it took me a whole day to realize she didn't say anything about the weight I had lost. I am ok with it though I think LOL. It all just goes back to what I said before. Focus on how you feel and the changes you notice yourself. The rest will fall into place.
I got a highchair and excersaucer through freecycle today! I had just asked for a highchair and when they emailed me, asked what else I needed. They didn't have jammies but they did have the saucer so I am going to get them all cleaned up after I post. I just bought him some jammies from ebay. I got 5 pair for 7 bux and they are mint condition. I felt that was a great deal, especially since it meant I didn't have to haul the kids out anywhere. After the first of the year, I will get him a real crib and just put him in with the girls. There is plenty of room to line up all three cribs/toddler bed in there since it is a nice sized room. There is just too big of a gap for him to ever share a room with Josh and I will worry about other things later when they are getting bigger.
Well I am off to clean more stuff. Like I didn't already have enough LOL
Melissa
Melissa, glad you got what you needed for Logan. I am about to give up on freecycle myself. I have given away TONS of stuff, I mean TONS, and yet have never gotten anything back. I put in for things I want, but have never gotten chosen for anything Tonight I put in for an exercise bike someone was giving away,and it was someone who I gave 4 bags of baby clothes to a few months back...and I didn't get it. It's okay with me, I'd rather give it to someone who needs it then just haul it to Goodwill, but it is frustrating when I can't get anything I want back, even from those I have given to in the past. Literally, I've gotten nothing in 2 years on the list.
Now I sound like a whiny baby, but I thought I would get the bike since I knew the people, they came to my house and I gave them all the clothes for thier baby, but oh well. Life goes on.
Do you have a day where you can do a wanted post? Ours is Saturday only and I put in a wanted for the highchair and she wound up giving me the saucer too when she heard what happened. He loves it and it playing in it right now. Freecycle can be frustrating at times and it is usually who bids for it first and I swear some people just sit at the computer waiting for an offer. Don't give up on it-I have gotten things we really needed that I just didn't have the money for. I like it because it saves me a trip to goodwill although there is an organization for the blind who comes to my house to pick stuff up when it is just too diverse to list on freecycle. No not whiny just disappointed and it is ok. I have called mom to "whine" too when it was something I really wanted to get and someone beat me to it and truthfully, that gal should have given you the bike especially since no one knows who emailed first ect-it just would have been the correct thing to do.
Melissa
I have had some major disappointments on freecycle- and I bascially gave up on it too cause i would spend all this time getting stuff ready and then no one would show up- after making an appointment-- The goodwill is 2 blocks from my job so i drop off things there . I have a freind who is a mod on our Freecycle site and she has great luck and seems to do well with it. and NO you don't sound whiny- just disappointed.
I do love ebay at times. I am selling off alot of old exercise video tapes i no longer like or want . I need to find someone in the area I can trust who knows antiques i am afraid to put some stuff on Ebay as i think they may be worth something but don't know for sure.
I relate about the weight comments. I was ok when the ladies group noticed cause they are all little old ladies and sweet.(and they gave me jeans )
But I really have come to the understanding I am not doing this to look good but for my health. I think when I keep telling myself that i can handle compliments better. I think the fear of being noticed is diminishing slowly.
I think Melissa is very wise and what she says is true concentrate on getting on track and being healthy and all the rest will fall into place.
No this time of year isn't too fun for me- I have to depend on 24 different people to get me stuff / information on time and when they don't well I end up stressing and working like crazy. But thsi year I will not eat to relieve stress and tension. I will come home and do my exercise tapes and do teh punching parts imagining that I am smacking stress (or maybe the person who didn't get the info on time - I know that isn't nice But there are days. By Christmas eve all is calm again and I am enjoying my days.
Hubby just told me we are going to go to the big city (Orlando) for our 10 year anniversary in Feb. for 3 days we'll go to epcot and play tourist. I was all happy with that. we spent our honeymoon at disney so we are redoing it .. I'd love to be able to fit into my wedding dress again for a picture - need to lose 30 plus pounds though..
Have a better night all- Hugs to you Theresa
Your trip sounds fun! All these people going on trips. My mom just told me she and dad won't be here for thanksgiving this year-they are heading to parts unknown and my grandma will go to my uncles house. I would have her here but I know all the kids would make her nervous and eventually cranky. Try not to let the stress get to you. I know it is hard when you have to rely on others-I tend to like to just take care of things myself so I know that they will get done.
Still not doing very well OP wise here and it is getting close to grocery day so the pickings are slim around here but I will do my best. I am tired but Logan and everyone are doing great so that is what is important. He loves his saucer and the highchair and he is now eating cereal and I will try him on some veggies at lunch time. He didn't know what cereal was a week ago. I am just so relieved he is here and I was right to worry about him before. Just kills me my daughter is this way. She was raised better than that and how she lives.
Melissa
I got my striptease dvds and I can't wait to get started. I was surprised, because it said 2-6 weeks for delivery, and I got them in 4 days! I looked them over just by browsing the contents page and listening to the "interviews" on each one where they talk to the coreographers, to Carmen, and give little glimpses of them practicing and preparing it themselves. It looks like so much fun, and so much work I can't wait to get going. The warm ups are actual dancer warm ups and the routines are by some lady who does choreography for the big girly stars, you know Brittany and such, forget who else. There are 5 dvds and one is strength stuff, which I need because the strength I have, I can't get into and can't make myself do anymore. One is advanced striptease and it has 2 costume-based routines. You're supposed to really dress up too, like the librarian they say to at least put a pencil in your hair and put on some glasses. I just can't imagine myself doing this, let alone in front of hubby Maybe I'll feel better once I get going and find I can do it...if I can.
I've been OP eating today and feeling much better now that I know what is bothering me. My sister's doctor has pretty much told her she HAS to lose weight or health issues are just going to get worse and worse, so she has been going out for walks with her hubby and looking into eating plans she can stick with. I am going to give her all my old workout dvds, which striptease and windsor pilates are replacing. I was going to freecycle them all (5 dvds) but since she wants them I will just take them up in a couple weeks for Thanksgiving. I really felt bitter about putting them on freecycle because I knew I would get nothing back for them, and they are great dvds which I paid good $ for. I feel better now that I have someone I love to give them to, and she really needs relief from all her issues right now--lupus, cysts covering her ovaries, miscarriages, spinal fluid in her back causing issues, etc.
Melissa, sounds like things are improving and becoming more normal around there, very glad to hear that. Logan on cereal woohoo, you're turning his life around! Thank God he has you. The tiredness could be from eating off plan, you think? I get that way, it's amazing how much energy I have when I eat right. I am reminded of that today as I feel so much better being OP after awhile off. It is hard when groceries are running low, and you have another mouth to feed now so it's going to be rough. Just do your absolute best and look for sales. I got boneless skinless chicken breasts for $3 a package, down from $8-10 a pack. I only buy it on sale, but it happens about once a month or so. Tell everyone you want gift certificates to the grocery story for christmas if you can When I had my daughter things were so tight I thought we'd all starve to death, and I did that. My mom started sending me gift certificates for Food Lion once a month and it was a huge help. I am glad that is behind me, but really it could happen again at any moment. IF something happened to hubby or I did decide to leave him, it would be very rough. Just be thankful you can be there for the kids and keep going, you'll find a way to get through. It's amazing how strong we women are!
Sandi, glad the compliments are getting easier for you. The thought of compliments is in my way from making enough progress to actually get them right now, so I guess I am accomplishing what my backwards brain is trying to accomplish. I have to just keep going and have a different focus, that's all i can do about it. I can't control what others notice or say.
I'll let everyone know what I think of the new dvds once I get to doing them. there's so much on them, that I'm wondering if I can fit in the pilates (4 more dvds there). I'll manage I guess, once I figure it all out and how much time each routine is, etc.
Yeah I think it is combination of not eating as well as I need to and plus getting up in the night for that feeding. I will be happy when he sleeps all night. Course Dess was up in the night too last night cause she had to go potty and I have to let her out of her room to do it and then lock her back in when she is done. She would be out the door and down the road if she weren't locked in or else she would have all the food out and dumped on the floor, painting with lipstick and toothpaste. She is one busy gal I tell ya. I always give to family and friends before I freecycle it. Family comes first always.
Melissa
he thinks it's going to wind up hitting us all again, but really I don't see how something that strange can happen again. 
Don't get down- Look how far you have come! Look at all the new habits and lifestyle you now have. writing down everthing is a great idea- I found a really great food diary for free download on microsoft office .com ( go to templates) and printed out a bunch and then made a notebook and even though i like fitday i find i have a hard time getting on the computer to list everything and now that 3fc's has the new food data base it's easier to just jot what you are eating. You keep going girl- don't you give up 
sending hugs your way too 
and YAY! on old Navy. I so want to be able to shop at places i can't shop at right now. I'll get back to you on the bisquick - i just know it has NO trans fat and low fat - I tossed the box so hubby wouldn't see it was lofat. 
to everyone else..
Tonight I put in for an exercise bike someone was giving away,and it was someone who I gave 4 bags of baby clothes to a few months back...and I didn't get it. It's okay with me, I'd rather give it to someone who needs it then just haul it to Goodwill, but it is frustrating when I can't get anything I want back, even from those I have given to in the past. Literally, I've gotten nothing in 2 years on the list. 
By Christmas eve all is calm again and I am enjoying my days. 
and I can't wait to get started. I was surprised, because it said 2-6 weeks for delivery, and I got them in 4 days! I looked them over just by browsing the contents page and listening to the "interviews" on each one where they talk to the coreographers, to Carmen, and give little glimpses of them practicing and preparing it themselves. It looks like so much fun, and so much work I can't wait to get going. The warm ups are actual dancer warm ups and the routines are by some lady who does choreography for the big girly stars, you know Brittany and such, forget who else. There are 5 dvds and one is strength stuff, which I need because the strength I have, I can't get into and can't make myself do anymore. One is advanced striptease and it has 2 costume-based routines. You're supposed to really dress up too, like the librarian they say to at least put a pencil in your hair and put on some glasses. I just can't imagine myself doing this, let alone in front of hubby 
Maybe I'll feel better once I get going and find I can do it...if I can. 
woohoo, you're turning his life around! Thank God he has you. The tiredness could be from eating off plan, you think? I get that way, it's amazing how much energy I have when I eat right. I am reminded of that today as I feel so much better being OP after awhile off. It is hard when groceries are running low, and you have another mouth to feed now so it's going to be rough. Just do your absolute best and look for sales. I got boneless skinless chicken breasts for $3 a package, down from $8-10 a pack. I only buy it on sale, but it happens about once a month or so. Tell everyone you want gift certificates to the grocery story for christmas if you can 